How Much Does a Small Injection Molding Machine Cost?

small plastic injection molding machine price

In today’s manufacturing landscape, investing in small-scale production equipment has become a practical solution for businesses aiming to improve efficiency and reduce outsourcing dependency. However, for start-ups and small manufacturers, understanding the actual cost of a small injection molding machine can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating different specifications, capacities and pricing ranges. The main challenge lies in determining which machine type truly fits your production goals without exceeding your budget. In this guide, we will break down the most important factors that influence small injection molding machine pricing and help you make a well-informed decision for your business needs.

What Is a Small Injection Molding Machine, And What Are Its Main Applications?

A small injection molding machine is a type of plastic injection molding equipment suitable for small-scale production and prototype development. It typically refers to a machine with a clamping force ranging from 1 to 20 tons and a relatively small shot size, capable of producing plastic parts weighing from a few grams to several hundred grams. These machines are characterized by their compact structure, small footprint, and flexible operation, making them well-suited for manufacturing small-sized and relatively simple plastic components.

Small injection molding machines are widely used across various industries, including but not limited to:

Electronics and Electrical Industry: such as small switches, connectors, buttons, socket housings, and other electronic plastic parts.
Toys and Consumer Goods: including toy components, decorative items, and housings for everyday products.
Medical Devices: such as small casings, accessories, and components for medical consumables.
Research, Development, and Prototyping: used for product sampling, design validation, and small-batch trial production.
Education and Maker Communities: ideal for teaching plastic molding processes, creative design implementation, and innovation practices in university labs, maker spaces, and DIY workshops.

Thanks to their low cost, high flexibility, and ease of operation, small injection molding machines are an excellent choice for startups, R&D teams, individual manufacturers, and small factories engaged in the small-batch production of plastic components.

Small Injection Molding Machine Price List （November Update）

Below is a detailed breakdown of the retail price ranges for small injection molding machines in overseas markets, categorized by different types, specifications, functionalities, and brand positioning. Prices are listed in US Dollars (USD) and reflect general market estimates based on data from platforms such as Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources, Amazon, eBay, brand websites, and distributor quotations. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on factors such as brand, origin, configuration, automation level, after-sales service, region, taxes, and shipping costs.

Type	Clamping Force Range (Tons)	Typical Applications	Typical Shot Size	Market Position
Ultra-Small / Micro Injection Molding Machine	0.1 ~ 1 T	Laboratories, jewelry, micro-components	A few grams or less	$2,000 ~ $15,000
Small Injection Molding Machine (Entry-Level)	1 ~ 5 T	DIY, education, very small batch production	5 ~ 20 g	$3,000 ~ $12,000
Small Injection Molding Machine (Common Use)	5 ~ 10 T	Electronic accessories, toys, small daily items	10 ~ 50 g	$8,000 ~ $20,000
Small Injection Molding Machine (Medium-Small)	10 ~ 20 T	Small batch customization, functional parts, prototyping	20 ~ 100 g	$15,000 ~ $35,000
Small-to-Medium Transition Type	20 ~ 50 T	Medium-small batch, multi-purpose industrial entry	50 ~ 300 g	$25,000 ~ $60,000+

The following are the estimated retail price ranges for small injection molding machines in overseas markets, categorized by type and clamping force:

1) Ultra-Small / Micro Injection Molding Machine (0.1 ~ 1 T)

Features: Often fully electric, high precision, lab-grade or jewelry-grade; may be manual or semi-automatic.

Applications: Micro gears, optical lenses, jewelry, medical micro-parts.

Retail Price Range: $2,000 ~ $15,000 USD

Basic experimental / desktop models: $2,000 ~ $5,000
High-precision fully electric micro machines (e.g. for jewelry/medical): $8,000 ~ $15,000+

2) Small Injection Molding Machine (Entry-Level, 1 ~ 5 T)

Features: Desktop or small vertical/horizontal machines, often manual, semi-automatic, or basic electric; suitable for prototypes and very small batches.

Applications: Small buttons, phone charms, DIY plastic items, educational use.

Retail Price Range: $3,000 ~ $12,000 USD

Basic manual/semi-automatic (entry-level from China): $3,000 ~ $6,000
Electric/semi-automatic desktop models (export-grade to Europe/US): $6,000 ~ $10,000
Branded, higher-stability entry models: $10,000 ~ $12,000+

3) Small Injection Molding Machine (Common Use, 5 ~ 10 T)

Features: Widely used, often vertical or horizontal, electric or hydraulic; suitable for small batch production.

Applications: Electronic connectors, tool housings, toy parts, daily necessities.

Retail Price Range: $8,000 ~ $20,000 USD

Economical export models from China: $8,000 ~ $12,000
Mid-range electric / fully electric models: $12,000 ~ $18,000
Branded high-stability models: $18,000 ~ $20,000+

4) Small Injection Molding Machine (Medium-Small, 10 ~ 20 T)

Features: Higher clamping force within the small machine category, suitable for medium-small batch and general commercial production.

Applications: Functional plastic parts, housings, accessories, medical device casings.

Retail Price Range: $15,000 ~ $35,000 USD

Mid-to-high-end Chinese export models: $15,000 ~ $22,000
Fully electric / highly automated models: $22,000 ~ $30,000
Imported brands (Japanese/German): $30,000 ~ $35,000+

5) Small-to-Medium Transition Type (20 ~ 50 T)

Features: Though approaching the small-medium category, often still referred to as “small commercial machines” with higher clamping force and shot size.

Applications: Medium-complexity parts, medium-small batch custom production.

Retail Price Range: $25,000 ~ $60,000 USD or higher

High-config export models from China (20 ~ 30T): $25,000 ~ $40,000
Mid-to-high-end fully electric / multi-color models: $40,000 ~ $55,000
Imported brands (mainly German/Japanese): $55,000 ~ $60,000+

Additional Factors Influencing Retail Price

The following factors can significantly impact the final retail price of a small injection molding machine:

Drive Type: Hydraulic vs Electric vs Fully Electric – fully electric models can be 20% to 50% more expensive.
Automation Level: Presence of robotic arms, auto-feed systems, temperature controls increases cost.
Brand Origin: Brands from Germany and Japan usually command higher premiums than those from China or Taiwan.
Manufacturing Origin: Export models from China offer better cost-performance, while original imported machines are more expensive.
Taxes and Shipping: International purchases may incur additional costs for customs, insurance, and transport (typically 10%–30% of total).
After-Sales Service & Warranty: Machines that include overseas warranty, training, or technical support typically have higher prices.

How to Purchase an Inexpensive Small Molding Machine

If you're looking to purchase an inexpensive yet high-quality small injection molding machine that meets international standards without the premium price tag of European or Japanese brands, Sunbun is your ideal choice — we are a professional injection molding machine manufacturer based in China, specializing in providing affordable, reliable, and high-performance small molding machines specifically designed for overseas customers.

Whether you need a compact desktop model with 0.5 ~ 1 ton clamping force for laboratories, prototypes, or educational purposes, or a more powerful 5 ~ 20 ton machine for small batch production of connectors, caps, toys, or precision components.

Sunbun offers a complete range of small molding machines that combine excellent value, durable construction, and user-friendly operation, all at a fraction of the cost of leading international brands; as a direct manufacturer, we are able to offer competitive pricing, fast delivery, and personalized service, including pre-sales consultation, clear technical documentation, and responsive after-sales support, making it easy and cost-effective for customers in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond to get started with professional-grade plastic molding without compromising on quality or breaking the budget.